SAS HBA Card Compatible with LSI 9300-8i & D3307 IT Mode HBA Controller
5.0Editor score
PCIe 3.0 x8 Interface
12Gb/s SAS Data Rate
IT Mode Non-RAID Firmware
In this guide
Selecting the right Hba Card for NAS Drive Expansion is crucial for building a robust storage system. These cards enable direct connection to multiple drives without hardware RAID, allowing software flexibility.
We evaluated ten top models based on compatibility, port count, and firmware support. Each option offers unique benefits for ZFS, TrueNAS, or custom Linux storage setups.
Our picks highlight key features and trade-offs for every budget. Remember that stock and pricing vary, so check current availability before making your final storage decision.
Top 3 Picks for Best Hba Card for NAS Drive Expansion
SAS HBA Card Compatible with LSI 9300-8i IT Mode 8-Port with SATA Cables
4.5Editor score
8-Port Direct Attachment
Includes SATA Breakout Cables
Compatible with ZFS Systems
Highpoint Technologies RocketRAID 2840C PCIe 3.0 x8 16-Port 6Gb/s SAS/SATA RAID Controller
3.9Editor score
16-Port Expansion Capability
Hardware RAID Support
Universal OS Compatibility
Top 10 Best Hba Card for NAS Drive Expansion in 2026 Compared
This table provides a side-by-side comparison of all ten reviewed Hba Card for NAS Drive Expansion options. Use it to quickly identify port counts and interface types.
ProductsSpecificationsEditor scorePrice
Editor's Choice
SAS HBA Card Compatible with LSI 9300-8i IT Mode 8-Port with SATA Cables
PCIe 3.0 x8 Interface
8 Ports Direct Connect
SAS 12Gb/s Transfer
IT Mode Firmware Included
4.5Editor score
Editor's Choice
SAS HBA Card Compatible with LSI 9300-8i & D3307 IT Mode HBA Controller
Broadcom SAS3008 Controller
12Gb/s SAS Rate
Non-RAID IT Mode
Dual SFF-8643 Ports
5.0Editor score
Best Premium
SAS HBA Card Compatible with LSI 9211-8i & 9300-8i IT Mode with SATA Cables
SAS3008 Controller Chip
SATA Cables Included
ZFS Compatible Firmware
8 Drive Direct Support
4.2Editor score
LSI 9300-16i 16-Port 12Gb/s SAS Controller HBA Card with P16 IT Mode for ZFS TrueNAS unRAID
16-Port High Density
P16 IT Mode Firmware
12Gb/s SAS Speed
TrueNAS Ready
4.0Editor score
Flashed Original LSI 9211-8i P20 IT Mode for ZFS FreeNAS unRAID 6Gbps SAS HBA
P20 IT Mode Firmware
6Gb/s SAS Speed
Full Height Bracket
Flashed and Tested
4.6Editor score
Highpoint Technologies RocketRAID 2840C PCIe 3.0 x8 16-Port 6Gb/s SAS/SATA RAID Controller
16 Ports SFF-8643
RAID 0/1/5/6
Linux macOS Windows
PCIe 3.0 x8
3.9Editor score
HBA Card Compatible with LSI 9300-8i/D3307 IT Mode PCIe SATA Expansion Card
D3307 Compatible
PCIe SATA Expansion
12Gb/s Data Rate
JBOD NAS Builds
4.4Editor score
SAS HBA Card Compatible with LSI 9207 9300-8i IT Mode with SAS Cables
Includes SAS Cables
Dual SFF-8643 Ports
IT Mode Non-RAID
Home Lab Suitable
4.6Editor score
LSI SAS 9300-8i 8-Port 12Gb/s HBA Card IT Mode StorageTekPro Flashed for ZFS FreeNAS unRAID
StorageTekPro Flashed
P16 IT Mode
12Gb/s 8-Port
ZFS FreeNAS Ready
4.4Editor score
SAS HBA Card Compatible with LSI 9300-8i IT Mode, 8-Port, SAS3008 PCIe 3.0 x8, 2X SFF-8643 Breakout Cables, HBA Controller for ZFS TrueNAS unRAID NAS
Enterprise RAID Controller
Includes Breakout Cables
PCIe 3.0 x8
NAS Server Ideal
4.5Editor score
1. SAS HBA Card Compatible with LSI 9300-8i IT Mode 8-Port with SATA Cables – Best Overall Hba Card for NAS Drive Expansion
SAS HBA Card Compatible with LSI 9300-8i IT Mode 8-Port with SATA Cables
PCIe 3.0 x8 Host
Dual SFF-8643 Connectors
SAS 12Gb/s Transfer
IT Mode Non-RAID
This Hba Card for NAS Drive Expansion is a top choice for reliable storage builds. It comes pre-flashed in IT Mode and includes breakout cables for immediate SATA connectivity.
Pros
- Includes SATA breakout cables
- High compatibility with ZFS
- Reliable LSI chipset
- Easy cable management
- Expandable via expander
Cons
- SAS cables sold separately
- Requires free PCIe slot
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It features a Broadcom SAS3008 controller supporting up to 12Gb/s speeds. The dual SFF-8643 ports allow direct connection to eight drives or expansion via external expanders.
While it works best with SATA drives out of the box, it handles SAS drives if you buy the correct cables. The IT Mode firmware ensures full passthrough for software RAID.
Buy this if you need a dependable 8-port card for TrueNAS or unRAID. It balances performance and ease of setup effectively for home lab users.
Cable Convenience
The included SATA breakout cables save you time and extra cost when connecting standard hard drives.
Expander Ready
Use the external ports to connect SAS expanders for building massive storage arrays beyond eight drives.
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2. SAS HBA Card Compatible with LSI 9300-8i & D3307 IT Mode HBA Controller – Best Budget Hba Card for NAS Drive Expansion
SAS HBA Card Compatible with LSI 9300-8i & D3307 IT Mode HBA Controller
D3307 Controller Support
PCIe 3.0 x8 Slot
SAS 12Gb/s Rate
ZFS FreeNAS Compatible
This budget-friendly Hba Card for NAS Drive Expansion offers excellent value for home builders. It is fully compatible with ZFS and unRAID systems out of the box.
Pros
- Very affordable price point
- High customer satisfaction rating
- Works with multiple OS
- Supports JBOD setups
- Efficient power usage
Cons
- No cables included in box
- Limited to 8 internal drives
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The D3307 or 9300-8i class controller provides stable 12Gb/s performance. It connects to your motherboard via PCIe 3.0 x8 for reliable data throughput.
Although cables are sold separately, the card itself is robust and ready for use. It is perfect for users who already have breakout cables or plan to use SAS drives.
Choose this option if you want a cost-effective solution without sacrificing quality. It is ideal for tight budgets needing reliable IT Mode connectivity.
Cost Effective Value
This model delivers enterprise-level features at a fraction of the price of branded alternatives.
Versatile Compatibility
Supports multiple host systems including Proxmox and ESXi for virtualization passthrough.
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3. SAS HBA Card Compatible with LSI 9211-8i & 9300-8i IT Mode with SATA Cables – Best Value Hba Card for NAS Drive Expansion
SAS HBA Card Compatible with LSI 9211-8i & 9300-8i IT Mode with SATA Cables
SAS3008 Controller
Includes SATA Breakout
PCIe 3.0 x8
Direct 8 Drive Attach
This Hba Card for NAS Drive Expansion supports both 9211-8i and 9300-8i legacy systems. It comes with cables to connect standard SATA hard drives immediately.
Pros
- Includes SATA breakout cables
- Compatible with older 9211-8i
- 12Gb/s high speed
- Supports Proxmox ESXi
- Easy to configure
Cons
- Cables only fit SATA drives
- May require flashing help
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Performance is high with 12Gb/s SAS speeds ensuring your data moves quickly. The card is optimized for ZFS and TrueNAS storage environments specifically.
Be aware that the included cables do not fit SAS drives. You will need separate SAS cables if you plan to use enterprise SAS hardware in your array.
This is a good middle-ground choice for mixed storage needs. It provides flexibility for both older and newer server builds with ease.
Legacy Support
Ideal for upgrading older servers that previously used the 9211-8i controller card.
Plug and Play
The included cables simplify initial setup without needing extra purchases for SATA drives.
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4. LSI 9300-16i 16-Port 12Gb/s SAS Controller HBA Card with P16 IT Mode for ZFS TrueNAS unRAID – High Density Hba Card for NAS Drive Expansion
LSI 9300-16i 16-Port 12Gb/s SAS Controller HBA Card with P16 IT Mode for ZFS TrueNAS unRAID
16-Port Connectivity
P16 IT Mode Firmware
12Gb/s SAS Speed
ZFS Ready
This Hba Card for NAS Drive Expansion is designed for users needing high density. It offers 16 ports directly on a single PCIe card for large arrays.
Pros
- Supports 16 drives
- High port density
- IT Mode pre-flashed
- TrueNAS optimized
- Robust enterprise design
Cons
- Requires significant case space
- More expensive than 8-port
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The card ships with P16 IT Mode firmware ready for ZFS and TrueNAS. It ensures maximum compatibility with software RAID without hardware RAID interference.
While powerful, it requires a case with enough room for the bracket and cables. It is best suited for large towers or server chassis with ample airflow.
Choose this if you need to maximize drive count without multiple cards. It is a strong option for advanced NAS builders.
Scalability
One card handles twice the drives of standard 8-port models saving PCIe slots.
Enterprise Quality
Built with enterprise-grade components for 24/7 reliability in mission-critical storage.
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5. Flashed Original LSI 9211-8i P20 IT Mode for ZFS FreeNAS unRAID 6Gbps SAS HBA – Legacy Hba Card for NAS Drive Expansion
Flashed Original LSI 9211-8i P20 IT Mode for ZFS FreeNAS unRAID 6Gbps SAS HBA
P20 IT Mode Flashed
6Gb/s SAS Transfer
Full Height Bracket
BIOS Tested
This Hba Card for NAS Drive Expansion is perfect for budget legacy systems. It is an original LSI card flashed to P20 IT Mode ready for use.
Pros
- Original LSI hardware
- Fully tested and flashed
- Ventilated bracket included
- Compatible with FreeNAS
- Reliable P20 firmware
Cons
- Slower 6Gb/s speed
- Older generation hardware
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It supports 6Gb/s speeds which match SATA SSD limits. The card comes with a ventilated bracket to help with cooling in tight cases.
While slower than modern 12Gb/s cards it is stable and reliable for most tasks. It is a classic choice for FreeNAS and unRAID builds.
Buy this if you need a proven reliable card for older motherboards. It offers great stability for entry-level storage systems.
Reliability
Original LSI hardware known for long-term stability and broad software support.
Full Height Design
Includes a full height bracket suitable for standard server and desktop cases.
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6. Highpoint Technologies RocketRAID 2840C PCIe 3.0 x8 16-Port 6Gb/s SAS/SATA RAID Controller – Premium Hba Card for NAS Drive Expansion
Highpoint Technologies RocketRAID 2840C PCIe 3.0 x8 16-Port 6Gb/s SAS/SATA RAID Controller
16-Port 6Gb/s
RAID 0/1/5/6
Universal OS Support
Management Software
This Hba Card for NAS Drive Expansion is a premium choice for advanced users. It offers both hardware RAID support and flexible JBOD capabilities.
Pros
- Supports hardware RAID levels
- Includes management suite
- 16 ports available
- Works on Mac/Linux
- Enterprise grade features
Cons
- Premium price point
- RAID firmware complexity
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The RocketRAID 2840C supports up to 16 drives across four ports. It includes comprehensive management software for Windows Linux and macOS systems.
It is more expensive than standard HBA cards but adds RAID redundancy features. This makes it useful for environments needing extra data protection layers.
Choose this if you need hardware RAID support alongside standard NAS features. It serves advanced server environments well.
RAID Flexibility
Supports RAID 0 1 5 and 6 for data redundancy beyond software solutions.
Cross Platform
Compatible with major operating systems for versatile deployment scenarios.
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7. HBA Card Compatible with LSI 9300-8i/D3307 IT Mode PCIe SATA Expansion Card – Reliable Hba Card for NAS Drive Expansion
HBA Card Compatible with LSI 9300-8i/D3307 IT Mode PCIe SATA Expansion Card
Broadcom SAS3008 Chip
PCIe SATA Expansion
12Gb/s Transfer Rate
JBOD NAS Builds
This Hba Card for NAS Drive Expansion is a highly rated option for builders. It uses the reliable D3307 or 9300-8i class controller for stability.
Pros
- High rating and reliability
- D3307 compatibility
- Supports virtualization
- Clear IT Mode firmware
- Affordable option
Cons
- Cables must be bought separately
- Limited physical documentation
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It provides PCIe SATA expansion capabilities ideal for adding drives to existing systems. The IT Mode ensures it works seamlessly with software like ZFS.
Users appreciate its value and performance in virtualization passthrough scenarios. It is a straightforward choice for expanding storage in Proxmox environments.
Opt for this if you need a reliable card with a proven track record. It delivers consistent performance for standard NAS tasks.
Virtualization Ready
Passes through directly to VMs for high performance in virtualized storage systems.
Stable Firmware
Ships with stable IT Mode firmware ready for immediate installation without flashing.
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8. SAS HBA Card Compatible with LSI 9207 9300-8i IT Mode with SAS Cables – Best for SAS Drives Hba Card for NAS Drive Expansion
SAS HBA Card Compatible with LSI 9207 9300-8i IT Mode with SAS Cables
Includes SAS Cables
Dual SFF-8643 Ports
Supports 12Gb/s SAS
TrueNAS FreeNAS Ready
This Hba Card for NAS Drive Expansion stands out by including SAS cables. It is perfect for users building arrays with enterprise SAS hard drives.
Pros
- Includes SAS cables
- Supports both SATA and SAS
- High customer rating
- Ideal for home labs
- Easy setup
Cons
- More expensive than basic kits
- SAS drives cost more
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It supports both SATA and SAS drives ensuring maximum flexibility for your build. The included cables allow direct connection to high-performance SAS disks.
With a high customer rating it is known for reliability and compatibility. It is an excellent choice for TrueNAS and ESXi passthrough setups.
Buy this if you plan to use SAS drives specifically. It removes the hassle of sourcing separate SAS breakout cables.
SAS Support
Ideal for integrating faster enterprise SAS drives into your storage array.
Complete Kit
Saves time and money by including necessary SAS cables in the package.
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9. LSI SAS 9300-8i 8-Port 12Gb/s HBA Card IT Mode StorageTekPro Flashed for ZFS FreeNAS unRAID – Pro Flashed Hba Card for NAS Drive Expansion
LSI SAS 9300-8i 8-Port 12Gb/s HBA Card IT Mode StorageTekPro Flashed for ZFS FreeNAS unRAID
StorageTekPro Flashed
P16 IT Mode
12Gb/s 8-Port
ZFS UnRAID Ready
This Hba Card for NAS Drive Expansion is professionally flashed by StorageTekPro. It ensures the card is ready for ZFS and FreeNAS out of the box.
Pros
- Professionally flashed firmware
- High performance speeds
- ZFS optimized
- Reliable hardware
- Good support
Cons
- Price slightly higher than generic
- Brand dependent
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The 12Gb/s speed matches modern SSD performance limits for fast data transfer. It is optimized for ZFS and FreeNAS environments specifically for better integration.
Users value the professional flashing for avoiding firmware errors. It is a dependable choice for those who want guaranteed compatibility.
Choose this if you want a card verified by a trusted provider. It offers peace of mind for critical storage builds.
Verified Firmware
Professionally flashed to ensure optimal performance for your specific OS.
Performance Focus
12Gb/s speed ensures no bottlenecks for modern high-speed drives.
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10. SAS HBA Card Compatible with LSI 9300-8i IT Mode, 8-Port, SAS3008 PCIe 3.0 x8, 2X SFF-8643 Breakout Cables, HBA Controller for ZFS TrueNAS unRAID NAS – Full Kit Hba Card for NAS Drive Expansion
SAS HBA Card Compatible with LSI 9300-8i IT Mode, 8-Port, SAS3008 PCIe 3.0 x8, 2X SFF-8643 Breakout Cables, HBA Controller for ZFS TrueNAS unRAID NAS
Enterprise RAID Controller
Includes Mini-SAS Cables
PCIe 3.0 x8
NAS Server Ready
This Hba Card for NAS Drive Expansion is a complete kit including breakout cables. It is ready for immediate deployment in enterprise or home servers.
Pros
- Complete kit with cables
- PCIe 3.0 performance
- Enterprise grade quality
- Good for servers
- High performance
Cons
- Slightly heavier package
- Higher price than bare card
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It uses PCIe 3.0 x8 interface ensuring high data throughput and stability. The card is designed for professional RAID configurations and NAS environments.
Buyers value the included cables for reducing setup time. It supports ZFS and TrueNAS well for software-defined storage setups.
Choose this if you want a full solution ready to plug in. It is excellent for server deployments requiring quick setup.
Complete Solution
All necessary cables included for immediate deployment without extra purchases.
Server Grade
Designed for stable operation in server and NAS environments.
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Buying Guide – How to Choose the Best Hba Card for NAS Drive Expansion
Choosing the right Hba Card for NAS Drive Expansion requires understanding several key technical factors to ensure compatibility and performance.
Interface Speed
Look for cards supporting PCIe 3.0 x8 or better for sufficient bandwidth. Ensure the card supports 12Gb/s SAS if using enterprise drives.
Port Count
Decide between 8-port and 16-port models based on your drive count. More ports save PCIe slots in larger server builds.
Firmware Mode
Always choose IT Mode over RAID Mode for ZFS and TrueNAS. This allows the OS to manage the drives directly.
Connectors
Verify the card uses SFF-8643 Mini-SAS HD ports. Ensure you have the correct breakout cables for SATA or SAS drives.
OS Compatibility
Confirm the card is supported by your chosen OS like Linux or FreeNAS. Most modern LSI cards work well out of the box.
Bracket Type
Check if the card includes a standard low profile or full height bracket. Ensure it matches your chassis opening requirements.
Cooling Needs
Ensure your case has adequate airflow for the card and connectors. Some models include ventilated brackets for better thermal performance.
Budget
Prices vary from budget 8-port cards to premium 16-port models. Consider if extra features like RAID support justify the higher cost.
How to Use and Care for Your Hba Card for NAS Drive Expansion
Install the card into an available PCIe slot on your motherboard ensuring it is seated firmly.
Connect your drives using SATA or SAS cables depending on the drives you are using.
Flash the card to IT Mode if needed and install the appropriate drivers in your OS.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between IT Mode and RAID Mode?
IT Mode allows each drive to be seen individually by the OS which is required for ZFS and TrueNAS. RAID Mode hides drives behind a controller which limits software RAID options.
Can I use SAS cables with SATA drives?
Yes SAS cables are compatible with SATA drives. However SATA cables will not fit SAS drives. Ensure you match the cable to your drive type.
Do I need to flash the firmware myself?
Most cards sold for NAS come pre-flashed. Always check the product description to confirm the firmware is already set to IT Mode.
Will this card work with Windows?
Yes these cards work with Windows if you install the LSI drivers. However they are primarily designed for Linux based NAS systems.
How many drives can I connect directly?
8-port cards support up to eight drives. 16-port cards support sixteen drives directly or you can use expanders for more.
Do these cards require power?
No HBA cards draw power from the PCIe slot. You do not need to connect SATA power cables to the card itself.
What is a SAS expander?
A SAS expander allows you to connect more drives than the card has ports. It expands one port to multiple external connections.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Hba Card for NAS Drive Expansion
Our top picks offer reliable performance for every storage need. The budget option and the editor's choice provide excellent value for most users.
Prioritize IT Mode compatibility and port count to match your build goals. Avoid hardware RAID modes for true NAS software control.
Always check current prices and stock before buying. Availability changes frequently for popular storage expansion components.